ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

Which type of circuit protection can help prevent electrical fires in the home?

1. Fuse protection

2. GFCI protection

3. AFCI protection

4. Voltage regulators

The correct answer is: AFCI protection

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is specifically designed to help prevent electrical fires in the home by detecting arcing faults, which can occur in damaged or frayed wiring. Arcing faults create high-temperature conditions that can ignite combustible materials and lead to fires. AFCIs monitor the electrical circuit for unusual patterns that indicate an arc and will disconnect power to prevent a potential fire hazard. While other types of protection, such as fuses and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), also play essential roles in electrical safety, they serve different purposes. Fuses are designed to prevent overcurrent conditions, which can lead to overheating but do not specifically target arcing faults. GFCI protection is crucial for preventing shock hazards in wet areas by interrupting the circuit when a ground fault is detected, but it does not provide protection against the specific type of electrical arcing that can cause fires. Voltage regulators help maintain a steady voltage level in electrical systems but do not directly prevent fires. In summary, AFCI protection is the most relevant and effective measure outlined in the choices that directly addresses the prevention of electrical fires due to arcing.